Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 31() 1988
Middle Pleistocene Small Mammals (Mammalia: Insectivora, Lagomorpha, Rodentia) from Varbeshnitsa (Bulgaria)
Abstract:
A fauna of small mammals, including at least 21 species has been recovered from a karst fissure infilling at a limestone quarry near the village of Varbeshnitsa (Vratsa district). The paper comprises a description of small mammal remains. Special attention is given to the variability of M1/M3 dental pattern of Prolagurus pannonicus, Microtus (Pitymys) arvalidens and Microtus (s. str.) arvalinus. The former is considered to represent a very evolved chronopopulation, the second one is considered to be primitive member of Pitymys evolutionary lineage, the third one is thought as primitive, although specilized true Microtus (s. str.) The presence of these species and Pliomys episcopalis, Cricetus cf. runtonensis, Sorex subaraneus suggests correlation with the upper part of Nagyhársáyhegy phase of Upper Biharian. The species composition indicates an European character of the fauna which is closely related to the localities in the Carpathian basin and the south part of the Russian plain. The occurrence of Apodemus mystacinus, in Varbeshnitsa, far northward beyond its recent distribution, indicates a warmer climate. The fauna is considered to correspond to a steppe environment with rocky areas and patches of bushes and trees.
